The Essex Fox Hounds’ Thanksgiving hunt from Ellistan in Peapack has been cancelled for this year, due to you-know-what. Effective Nov. 17, outdoor gatherings in New Jersey have been limited to 150 people from the previous limit of 500 because of the Coronavirus surge.
For decades, the gathering has drawn hundreds on the morning of the holiday to watch the horses and hounds gather and then head out. Afterwards, many spectators stay on to tailgate in a big field at the estate.
The hunt gathering at Ellistan in 2019. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
But as Essex joint masters Jazz Merton and Karen Murphy stated, “After significant discussion and consideration, we feel it is our responsibility to help stop the spread of COVID19 and keep our community safe. With that in mind, the Essex Fox Hounds will not be going out from Ellistan on Thanksgiving morning, and access to the property will not be permitted.
Tailgating has been a popular Thanksgiving tradition at Ellistan for decades. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Thank you for your understanding as we navigate through these challenging times. The Thanksgiving Day Hunt is a cherished and longstanding tradition for the Essex Fox Hounds and much of our surrounding community and we look forward to hosting again in 2021.”